Khandie Khisses

Burlesque performer Khandie is as happy in front of the lens as she is behind it

My day job is hard to describe, because I do a variety of things. I work as a burlesque and cabaret entertainer, as a costume maker, as a show producer and occasionally as a model. I have always been infatuated with capturing images. I started asking photographers I knew if I could go along on jobs with them as second shooter – this helped me build up my experience. Now I’m getting asked to shoot everyone from brides-to-be to wrestlers.

My current setup is a D90 [1] and my favourite 50mm f/1.8 lens [2]. I’ll usually have my 35-80mm f/4-5.6 and 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 [3] in my bag too. I often take a film camera as well as my D-SLR out with me as different subjects suit different media.

If I’m on a portrait shoot, I’ll have my tripod and a reflector, plus bulldog clips to hold things in place. I’ve got two secret weapons. One is a piece of semi-opaque plastic with a hole torn in it which, placed over my lens, captures light leaks and gives my shots an old-fashioned feel. The other is translucent powder makeup, great for combating shine on models’ faces.

Recently I’ve sold the odd print of my work and been published overseas. I’m loving learning more about portraiture every day.